COLUMN: Perceptions at midway point of NFL season

As the National Football League embarks on the second half of its regular season this week, perceptions are beginning to take shape regarding how things might play out down the stretch.

For the most part, usual contenders have started separating themselves while others are hitting their accustomed midseason slump, leaving plenty to the imagination as to how the playoff picture will look come January.

Still, in a league that thrives on overreactions, nine weeks of competition provides a sufficient body of work for interested individuals to assess, including members of the media.

So, as part of this contingent, I figured what better time than the midway point to throw my two cents into the mix, ranging from the highly talented rookie class to the downfall of a division that previously called itself 'the best in football.'

— While Robert Griffin III has stolen much of the spotlight, two other first-year sensations have either caught or surpassed Washington's quarterback in the race for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Last Sunday, both Indianapolis signal caller Andrew Luck and Tampa Bay running back Doug Martin had record-breaking performances, with Luck eclipsing the rookie mark for passing yards in a single game (433) while Martin set a Buccaneers' franchise record by rushing for 251 yards and four touchdowns.

Sure, RGIII has been spectacular, routinely finding his way onto highlight reels across the country each and every week. The No. 2 overall pick by the Redskins back in April also currently holds the edge over fellow quarterback Luck in completion percentage, total touchdowns, interceptions thrown and QB rating.

In fairness, despite Martin putting up outlandish numbers the last two weeks — he had 214 yards from scrimmage in Tampa's Week 8 win over Minnesota — he's still considered a longshot to win the award, although he has firmly moved into the conversation.

Prior to his back-to-back, breakout performances, the "Muscle Hamster" averaged just 68 rushing yards in his first six games, creating a deficit in the minds of voters that he must continue to overcome if he is going to beat out RGIII and Luck.

With that said, from my standpoint, the difference between the top two candidates comes down to one simple fundamental — winning games.

Entering tonight's contest against Jacksonville, Luck has led the Colts to a 5-3 record, already shattering expectations for a team that finished 2-14 a year ago. Also worth noting, if the season ended today, Indianapolis would make the playoffs as the No. 5 seed in the AFC. Not bad for a team that dismantled its roster in the offseason to 'rebuild.'

On the flip side, RGIII's Redskins head into their bye week at 3-6, losing their last three games while boasting the second-worst winning percentage in the entire NFC, ahead of only Carolina, who happened to beat Washington this past Sunday.

Again, in fairness, the Redskins' woes are not a result of Griffin's play. Countless dropped passes by receivers and a defense that has looked flat-out terrible of late have led to disappointment in the nation's capital.

All things considered, both have clearly excelled individually, culminating into a neck-and-neck race for Offensive Rookie of the Year. But, to me, Luck currently maintains one decisive advantage — leading a winning football team.

— For a division once anointed the best in the NFL; what's wrong with the NFC East?To be clear, I'm not attempting to pile on 'Skins fans, they just happen to be part of the underachieving.

Aside from the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants (6-3), who also even looked suspect in last week's loss to Pittsburgh, the trio of Philadelphia (3-5), Dallas (3-5) and Washington (3-6) are a combined 9-16, each sitting at least two games below .500 with three wins apiece.

Perhaps most concerning is the recurring themes in all three organizations, with the Eagles in turmoil, the Cowboys still unable to seal the deal and the Redskins struggling after another promising start.

Talent is abound in both Philly and Dallas, yet the losses continue to mount. Neither head coach has done anything to remove himself from the proverbial 'hot seat' while quarterbacks Michael Vick and Tony Romo are again failing to meet expectations.

Fortunately, one of them is guaranteed a win this Sunday as the two meet for a 4:25 kickoff in Philadelphia. In contrast, the loser will join Washington at 3-6, thus needing a miraculous turnaround to avoid another forgettable season.

Regardless, should either the Eagles or Cowboys miss the playoffs, which is a strong possibility for both, expect wholesale changes at the end of the season…..if not before.

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